Perth Glory is delighted to confirm that midfielder Hiroaki Aoyama has signed a one-year deal with the club.
A former Nagoya Grampus junior, Aoyama has spent the last three seasons starring for Blacktown City and Marconi Stallions in the NSW NPL.
The 27-year-old scored on his debut for Blacktown in March 2022 and helped the western suburbs club win the NPL title that year.
After joining Marconi, he continued to enhance his reputation as one of the competition’s best midfielders, making more than 30 appearances and scoring three goals.
Glory’s latest off-season recruit, who opened his account for the club in Tuesday’s pre-season friendly against Armadale SC, is now relishing the prospect of making his mark in purple.
“Playing in the A-League has been my dream since I came to Australia and I’m looking forward to taking on the new challenge,” he said.
“I will give my all to make the next season a great one and want to say thank you to all the people that have supported me.”
Glory Football Director Stan Lazaridis believes that Aoyama will provide another quality option in midfield.
“Hiro backed himself to come over on trial and secure a contract and that’s exactly what he’s done,” he said.
“He’s a leftie who can play in a number of midfield roles, he has quick feet, great vision and a fantastic work ethic.”
Head Coach David Zdrilic has also been impressed by Aoyama.
“One of our key priorities was to ensure we have a range of central midfield options and Hiro definitely adds something to that mix,” he said.
“He’s made a really positive impression since he’s come in and we look forward to seeing him compete hard for a first-team spot this season.”
The following players are now under contract for 2024/25: Oli Sail, Cameron Cook, Robbie Cook, Josh Risdon, Riley Warland, Anas Hamzaoui, Lachlan Barr, Kaelan Majekodunmi, Andriano Lebib, Zach Lisolajski, Jacob Muir, Luke Bodnar, Jarrod Carluccio, Trent Ostler, Mustafa Amini, Brandon O’Neill, Nicholas Pennington, Taras Gomulka, Hiroaki Aoyama, Jaylan Pearman, Will Freney, Khoa Ngo, Joel Anasmo, Adam Bugarija, Adam Taggart, David Williams, Nathanael Blair, Abdelelah Faisal.
Further squad announcements will be made shortly.
#ONEGlory
